Mayor Carl Brewer, an accomplished cook and a former winner of the People’s Choice competition, will lead a team with an Olympic Game theme – Team Chili Bean.

“It’s going to be a great event that will promote healthy competition, downtown living and the hospitality of our great city,” Brewer said.”

During the annual fall event, thousands of tasters will line up to taste chili in several categories. Come join the fun including live music and games for children and adults. About 50 teams are competing including in several divisions such as No Beans, Chili Verde, Red Chili and Anything Goes.

A new category added this year is the Chili for Charity category for teams competing on behalf of a favorite charity. The competition will heat up as teams compete for bragging rights and money for a favorite charity - $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. With more than 8,000 expected to attend this event, the downtown chili cookoff is a great opportunity to promote a charity and its mission. This is the only category that will be judged at the main stage by a panel of celebrity judges.